A Catholic Evangelization Ministry for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, the Pilgrim Center of Hope serves the community through Conferences, retreats, Catholic media programs and by organizing pilgrimages, journeys of faith, to the Holy Land as a means for persons seeking spiritual renewal and solidarity with the universal church.

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God Calls You By Name!

The whole of the Christian life is like a pilgrimage to the House of the Father, whose unconditional love for every human creature, and in particular for the ‘prodigal son’, we discover anew each day. This pilgrimage takes place in the heart of each person, extends to the believing community and then reaches to the whole of humanity.
(Pope John Paul II in “Tertio Millennio Adveniente”)

This is one of my favorite quotes from John Paul II. It reminds me that from the beginning of my life, since my infant Baptism, God the Father had a plan for me. These words encourage me to continue my daily walk with God, and in my life as a woman of faith. How wonderful it is to call upon God as my Heavenly Father, for indeed, He knows everything about me!

In Isaiah 43:1, we read: “…the Lord who created you says: Do not be afraid, I will save you. I have called you by name – you are mine.” Everyone should read this verse; it’s a personal message from God! When we can realize God, who is the Creator of the Universe, calls us by name, it can indeed be very healing. How can it be healing? By realizing that His look upon us is one of love, mercy and desiring of our love.

“The whole of the Christian life is like a pilgrimage to the House of the Father…”

A pilgrimage is a journey of faith with a destination that is out of this world – Heaven! A destination that gives us eternal life with God! It begins in our hearts and with a desire to take this journey. No one can make us take this pilgrimage, and no one can take it for us.

How does one prepare for this pilgrimage to the Father’s House? No, there isn’t a need to pack, or prepare a tote bag, or special clothing, or zip-lock baggies for security.

John Paul II said that we must have the attitude of a docile and grateful heart. We must speak of God with deepest and total respect, in adoration.

Just think: The same God who created the entire universe, the same God who spoke to Moses at Mt. Sinai, the same God who sent His Son Jesus to tell us of His love and to die for us…knows YOU by name…knows everything about you! And invites you to be His son, His daughter on a pilgrimage to His House!

Take time to think about this…it changed my life. And I hope it will change yours!

For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory for ever. Amen. (Romans 11:36)

Find more from Mary Jane and The Pilgrim Center of Hope at The Pilgrim Log.